Our Story
Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, Waypoint Ministry was founded in 2005 to meet a great need both here in our community and beyond.
Our goal has been to utilize an approach to regeneration that takes into account the clinical side of healing from chemical addiction and integrate it into a faith-filled environment that offers deeper meaning.
Leadership Team
Chris Gillhouse
Chris started off as a volunteer here at Waypoint. Later, he joined the board, and then ultimately felt the Lord nudging him in 2012 to leave the world of commercial construction to support Waypoint Ministry full-time as Executive Director. Along with his wife Robin, who’s affectionately called the “Waypoint Mom”, Chris spends his time carrying out the vision of our ministry, planning for the future, and investing in the lives of each and every man who comes to us for help. Under his leadership, our organization continues to grow as we serve more men and families in need of regenerative care from life-controlling habits. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling / Psychology.
Certifications: CAC Level II (Certified Addiction Counselor) and CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor.
Favorite Verse: “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.” – Romans 3:22-24
Rick Lovell
Rick began his journey with Waypoint Ministry upon entering the program for his own substance abuse problem. He turned to drugs and alcohol when he was a teen shortly after the sudden unexpected death of his father. Rick abused drugs through his teenage years and his twenties. Late one evening he was in his vehicle, broken and without hope. He began to pray and ask God for help. God answered. The following day Rick heard about Waypoint Ministry from a family member. One week later, he entered Waypoint Ministry. After graduating from the Regeneration program and the Servant Leadership Program, Rick became a staff member at Waypoint. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Southwest Bible College.
Rick is married to his wonderful wife Hannah, and he is the father of two beautiful girls. Rick realized that when he was addicted, he had no true concept of who he was in God. Now, knowing who he is, and what his purpose is, he longs to give life to others so they may experience complete freedom from addiction.
Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Michael Tucker
Michael grew up in Cumming, Georgia. Despite the promise of a degree, he began to struggle with alcohol in his early twenties – an unfortunate reality for so many. Things continued to tailspin for Michael until joining the family here at Waypoint. As a graduate of our program, he relates to the men in our care in a unique and compelling way. Through his twelve-month stay, an additional season of volunteering, and now as a staff member, Michael not only found personal freedom but feels called to serve other men so they find theirs. Michael returned to school and received an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College. He is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time outdoors.
Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”- Ephesians 2:20-22
Miles Rapier
Miles started a life of drug and alcohol use in his early teens. With a rough home life, these substances were a poor antidote to fill a hole that could only truly be filled through a deeper faith in Jesus. It would, unfortunately, be several years before he came to that realization. In the meantime, he experienced a failed attempt at college and even homelessness as a result of addiction. Like so many of our graduates, he was at the end of his rope when he finally found a home here at Waypoint Ministry. His path toward recovery, rejuvenation, and renewed hope wasn’t easy – but it was life-changing. Today, you can find Miles serving the men in the very seats where he once sat. We cannot think of a better person to welcome men into our home than someone who has walked through the same despair and has come out free on the other side. Miles holds an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies.
Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training
Favorite Verse: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
Matt Mote
Married to his high school sweetheart Tracey, and now blessed with 3 children, Levi, Ethan, and Marlee, Matt has been working in the field of addiction recovery since 2008 and as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2012. He graduated from Liberty University with his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. He and his family have been serving as pastors since 2004. They have recently merged their ministry to birth Rehoboth Congregational Holiness Church in Banks County. Here at Waypoint, we employ a holistic approach to regeneration and are grateful for Matt’s expertise in understanding the clinical side of recovery. Each and every day, men benefit from tackling their habits with both their head and their heart. We are grateful for Matt’s investment that makes change possible for each and every man we serve.
Certifications: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Favorite Verse: “Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience], who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.” – Psalms 128:1
Eddie Shelton
Eddie grew up in Gainesville, Georgia. Opportunities were very limited, which created rebellion and hopelessness. He spent a great deal of time in and out of the judicial system. Eddie found Waypoint after being arrested as a result of his own substance abuse. Waypoint quickly became a stable home and safe place offering many opportunities to learn – and not just about addiction. Eddie learned how to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and build healthy stable relationships with others. He shares his gratitude through his involvement in ministry and service, such as sharing his testimony while attending a mission trip with his church. Eddie is the kitchen manager at Waypoint and actively helps lead men in the program to Christ. He has a love for nature and the outdoors and volunteers his time at a natural preserve in Gainesville, Georgia. Eddie is following his desire to become a case manager and his goal is to further his education by attending seminary and remaining active in the field of ministry and addiction.
Favorite Verse: “Now all glory to God who is able through His mighty power to work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever ask or think and imagine.” – Ephesians 3:20
Paul Northrop
Paul Northrop has experienced a radical transformation in his life. After starting to use drugs at the age of fifteen, Paul spent the next twenty-two years in and out of prison and addicted to almost every abusive substance. Eventually he lost everything, including his wife, children, and family. After years of living a destructive lifestyle, Paul was arrested and reached a level of brokenness. He no longer wanted to live if it meant living in such bondage. Paul prayed for God to change him and soon reached out to Waypoint. God’s grace sufficiently reshaped Paul’s way of thinking, and since that time God has restored Paul’s relationship with his three sons and family. Paul currently holds the position of Intake Coordinator at Waypoint Ministry. This allows him the opportunity to share his personal testimony with others who are struggling with addiction and in need of a program. Also, Paul is a volunteer firefighter for the Lumpkin County EMS and enjoys volunteering his time to help rescue others. Paul is certified as an NPQ Firefighter 1 and EMS First Responder, and is also certified in CPR. Paul’s desire is to continue furthering his education in the fields of addiction and EMS.
Favorite Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Mike Arehart
Mike Arehart was born in Ventura, California. He battled drug addiction for over two decades. He originally entered Waypoint in 2018 with the sole purpose to escape from society for a year. His mind was set on exploring Christianity while still holding onto Worldly things. Mike returned to Waypoint for a second time in 2020 to find a true relationship with Christ. Mike decided it was time to surrender completely to God. Mike is valuable to the Waypoint team and works at the thrift store as the Sales Floor Manager. He really enjoys serving the surrounding community by sharing his personal testimony with the many customers that come through our thrift store.
Mike is currently attending Southwest Bible College to obtain his Associate’s Degree. He is also working on attaining his credentials to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Mike is also focusing on restoring his relationship with his two kids.
Favorite Verse: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV
Board of Directors
Every organization should surround themselves with a team that makes them better. We’re grateful for the group that does this on our behalf.
Jason Blain
Chairman of the Board
Johns Creek, GA
As vice president of strategic alliances for Herschend Family Entertainment, Jason Blain forges mutually profitable relationships with third-party companies that share HFE family values – expanding their market presence and driving attendance to the parks.
Jason has a proven record for spotting winning partnership opportunities, from branded shows and attractions to product placements in the parks. Since joining in 1996, Jason has led the development of more than $150 million of successful attractions for all properties – affording them exposure to more than 12 million visitors each year.
Before joining Herschend, Jason co-founded Entertainment Properties, an Orlando-based consulting and development firm for leisure, recreation, and theme park attractions. Through this venture, he worked with clients to develop creative projects that were both economically and operationally sound investments.
Jason also served as vice president at Management Resources, one of the nation’s largest management consulting firms for the leisure industry. Prior, he worked with Walt Disney Company’s attractions division.
Jason earned his Master of Business Management/Finance from Wake Forest University, and his bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University. He and his wife, Mary Katherine, live in Johns Creek, Georgia and are highly active in their church and the lives of their four sons.
Pastor Don Allen
Associate Chairman and Secretary
Dawsonville, GA
Dr. Don Allen, his wife Christina, and their three children have enjoyed being a part of the ministry of The Church @ War Hill since 1992, where Pastor Don serves as Lead Pastor. In this short period of time the ministry has grown from a handful of believers to a multi-campus congregation, and has branched into an international ministry known as R.L.N. Global.
Pastor Don has earned a PhD from Southwest Bible College and Seminary, serves on international ministry boards, and in 2012 assumed the position of Executive Director of Victory 91.5 FM, Atlanta’s largest independently-owned radio station.
With a thriving local church body, Real. Love. Now. television & radio broadcast reaching hundreds of thousands, pastoral training in the United States and abroad, international congregations, and evangelistic outreaches around the world, Pastor Don has enjoyed seeing the vision of Real. Love. Now. affecting the world.
Mike Sims
Treasurer
Johns Creek, GA
Mike Sims is an executive vice president of Vinings Bank and is the president of the bank’s North Fulton market. Since June of 1986, Mike has served in various commercial banks in managerial and business development roles. Mike’s career has taken him from Birmingham to Atlanta. He has served for sixteen years with banks in the Georgia market and has much experience in providing comprehensive financial services for both the commercial and consumer marketplace.
Mike has a Master of Business Administration from Samford University. He currently serves on the board of Crossroads Outreach, is the past Board Chair for Iron and Fire Ministry, a member of the Finance Committee of the Atlanta Athletic Club, and the past Admissions Chair for Perimeter Christian School. Mike and his family reside in Johns Creek, Georgia and are active members of Perimeter Church.
Jeff Pruitt
Board Member
Dahlonega, GA
Jeff Pruitt is the operations manager of the Ramsey Conference Center, Lanier Technical College, Hall Campus. In his role, he provides outstanding customer service to every event and coordinates back-office operations to keep the facility running day-to-day.
He first approached Waypoint to provide event setup services for the Conference Center in 2012. The relationship has become both an integral part of operations at the Center and a valuable revenue stream for Waypoint Ministry’s Regeneration Program.
Jeff and his wife Connie have five children and four grandchildren. He has a passion for service and has contributed his time as a board member and volunteer for other organizations such as the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the Bald Ridge Boys’ Lodge, and B.A.D.G.E. of Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Jeff is a native of Forsyth County, Georgia and currently lives in Dahlonega where he spends his free time managing his 104-acre cattle ranch, Sonshine Farm.
David Montgomery
Board Member
Alpharetta, GA
David Montgomery is a partner at the accounting firm Moore, Montgomery & Paulk in Alpharetta, Georgia. Having earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Accounting from Georgia State University, David spent twelve years in the technology industry in sales and sales management, and over sixteen years in public accounting.
The oldest of three children, David is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has lived in the Atlanta area most of his life, and currently attends Browns Bridge Community Church. His hobbies include jogging, reading, spending time with his dogs and playing golf.